Who Fears Death

by Nnedi Okorafor
Who Fears Death cover
Good Books rating 3.08
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 1152
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780756406172
  • Publisher: DAW Hardcover
  • Published: 2010-01-01
  • Formats: 18
  • Reviews: 4

Onyesonwu is born into a world ravaged by war and genocide, the product of a brutal rape of her mother. Raised with the help of a shaman, she learns of her magical abilities and the destiny that awaits her. Her journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, as she seeks to end the cycle of violence and bring hope to her people. The novel explores themes of identity, culture, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a powerful and evocative story that blends elements of fantasy and post-apocalyptic fiction, set against the backdrop of a unique and richly imagined world.

Reviews
Fantasy Literature · 2025-09-27
powerful 2.50

The book is a powerful parable about tribal warfare and genocide, but the ending may not satisfy all readers.

The reviewer acknowledges the novel's strength as a parable, highlighting its unflinching portrayal of tribal warfare and genocide. They believe it makes a significant statement about these issues. However, they express doubts about the effectiveness of the ending, suggesting it might not resonate with everyone. Despite this, they recognize the book's importance and the boldness of its themes.

Quick quotes

    It is a strong, unflinching parable about tribal warfare and genocide in the Sudan.

    It is not a great fantasy book

    I don't know if the ending works at all

Joshua Stelling · Joshua Stelling · 2022-09-20
impactful 3.80

The novel is impactful and thought-provoking, with a rating of 7.5 out of 10.

The reviewer finds the novel to be deeply impactful and thought-provoking, praising its ability to immerse readers in its world. They highlight the depth of the world-building and the emotional resonance of the story. Despite some criticisms, they rate it highly, indicating a strong overall impression of the book's quality and its ability to engage and move readers.

Quick quotes

    It's hard for me to imagine the power of Who Fears Death.

    Mostly Spoiler-Free Impressions After Reading the Novel by Nnedi Okorafor.

    The worldbuilding in this novel is deep

Cannonball Read · TylerDFC · 2021-04-20
engaging 4.00

The novel blends young adult and adult themes effectively, making it a unique and engaging read. It tackles mature topics while maintaining a coming-of-age narrative.

The reviewer appreciates how the book merges the romance and coming-of-age elements typical of young adult fiction with the deeper, more mature themes usually found in adult literature. This blend creates a rich and thought-provoking experience. They highlight the novel's ability to handle complex issues while keeping the story accessible and engaging for a wide audience. The reviewer finds the combination of these elements to be particularly effective and noteworthy.

Quick quotes

    This novel feels more like a hybrid of the two formats.

    The romance and coming-of-age aspects of YA with the more mature themes of an adult

    It's a unique and engaging read.

Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2017-11-25
thoughtful 2.00

The book is filled with smart and thought-provoking content, but the short chapters can be distracting. It's a novel that makes you think deeply about important issues.

This book is packed with intelligent and thought-provoking content. The reviewer finds it to be a deeply reflective novel that tackles significant issues. However, they note that the short chapters, some just one or two pages long, can be a bit distracting. Despite this, the book's depth and the important questions it raises make it a compelling read. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to provoke thought and discussion.

Quick quotes

    There is just so much smart stuff in this book; it's a very thought-provoking novel—yet even with the short, sometimes one- or two-page chapters.

    It's a very thought-provoking novel.

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